Philippines' Duterte agrees to run as vice president in 2022

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has agreed to be the ruling political party's vice presidential candidate in next year's elections, the PDP-Laban party said on Tuesday, laying the groundwork for the leader to stay in power beyond his term. The PDP-Laban party made the announcement ahead of a national assembly on Sept. 8 where it is also expected to endorse Duterte's aide and incumbent senator Christopher "Bong" Go to be its presidential candidate in the 2022 polls. Duterte is making "the sacrifice" and heeding "the clamour of the people," Karlo Nograles, executive vice president of the ruling PDP-Laban party, said in a statement. In the Philippines, the president is limited to one six-year term and Duterte's term is due to end by June next year. His vice presidential run is seen by political observers as a backdoor to the presidency, however.